Islamabad, 24 November 2024: Pakistan Shaheens, led by Mohammad Huraira, are set to face Sri Lanka ‘A’ in a three-match 50-over series starting 25 November, following their 1-0 victory in the two-match four-day series.
The first match will take place on Monday at the Islamabad Club, while the second and third games are scheduled for 27 and 29 November at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
From the Shaheens’ red-ball squad, five players, including captain Huraira, Abdul Faseeh, Haider Ali, Hussain Talat, and Rohail Nazir, will continue in the one-day series. They are joined by Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Imran Randhawa, Sharoon Siraj, Sirajuddin, and Ubaid Shah. Among the new additions, all-rounder Imran Randhawa and pacer Ubaid Shah, fresh off an 11-wicket haul in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, have received maiden call-ups.
In 2024, Pakistan Shaheens have played five 50-over matches, winning two in Darwin against Bangladesh ‘A’ and Northern Territory in August. The home series against Bangladesh ‘A’ ended 1-0 after rain washed out two games at the Islamabad Club.
Sri Lanka ‘A’ will be led by international player Nuwanidu Fernando, with key additions such as Lahiru Udara, Sahan Arachchige, Dushan Hemantha, Kavindu Nadeeshan, Eshan Malinga, Dilshan Madushanka, and Nipun Ransika joining for the 50-over games.
Captain Mohammad Huraira said:
“Leading this talented group is a privilege. We have a balanced squad and are excited for the series. Sri Lanka ‘A’ gave us a tough challenge during the red-ball matches, and we expect similar competition in the 50-over games. Our team is well-prepared and focused on executing our plans positively.”
Sri Lanka ‘A’ captain Nuwanidu Fernando remarked:
“It’s an honor to lead the team here in Pakistan. Some of our players gained valuable experience during the red-ball series, which will help us in the one-dayers. We aim to apply pressure with strong batting and bowling and hope our young players seize this opportunity to impress for national selection.”
Squads:
Pakistan Shaheens: Mohammad Huraira (captain), Abdul Faseeh, Abdul Samad, Haider Ali, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Imran Randhawa, Rohail Nazir, Sharoon Siraj, Sirajuddin, Ubaid Shah.
Sri Lanka ‘A’: Nuwanidu Fernando (captain), Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha, Dinura Kalupahana, Dushan Hemantha, Kavindu Nadeeshan, Wanuja Sahan, Eshan Malinga, Dilshan Madushanka, Nipun Ransika.
Match Schedule (9 AM PKT start, Toss at 8:30 AM):
• 25 Nov: 1st ODI, Islamabad Club.
• 27 Nov: 2nd ODI, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
• 29 Nov: 3rd ODI, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
